Manele warns against power competition at PIF Leaders Meeting

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has called for unity in the face of intensifying global competition during his opening remarks at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM).

Welcoming the leaders, Manele, who is the incoming Pacific Islands Forum chair, has reminded delegates that the Pacific is not a stage for outside powers.

“Leaders in a fast-evolving global and strategic environment, our strength lies in our solidarity and how we are able to respond to challenges and capitalise on opportunities as a collective,” Manele says.

“The world around us is changing fast. Competition among powerful interests is intensifying, and the Pacific must never be seen as an arena for others.

“We are not passive bystanders - we are nations, bound by shared values and the Pacific way.

“Our theme in it together is a resounding call for a renewed commitment to defend regionalism.”

Jeremiah Manele meets leaders and representatives from the Pacific Islands Forum. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

This year’s PIFLM sees no dialogue partners present after the host country, the Solomon Islands, announced its exclusion shortly before the annual meeting.

Many countries have spoken out against the decision, such as Aotearoa New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, who warned of possible funding cuts to the region following the decision to exclude dialogue partners.

The Solomon Islands Government has stood by its decision to exclude dialogue partners, most notably Taiwan, which has an observer status within the Forum.

Some Pacific leaers at the opening of the PIFLM in Honiara. Photo/Supplied

Manele suggests that a rethink of the agenda-setting process may be necessary to align with regional strategies.

“Upon reviewing the papers before us, I recognise that increasingly sectoral ministers are requesting standing agenda items on our leaders' agenda,” Manele says.

“There is a proposal to consider the agenda-setting process for leaders, including the format of the agenda and the set-out alignment between the two strategy implementation mechanisms.”

Outgoing PIF chair and Tonga Prime Minister, Dr 'Aisake Eke. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

With no outside powers present at this year’s meeting, Manele reiterates the importance of the sessions this week to be deliberated with courage to move forward.

“I would like us to live on with decisions that strengthen our economy, advance our priorities and secure a peaceful, resilient and prosperous new Pacific for generations to come.”

Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa echoes Manele’s message, warning that the challenges facing the region are already being felt on the ground.

PIF Secretary General, Baron Waqa. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

“The challenges before us as a region are stark,” Waqa says.

“Climate change is intensifying, geopolitical competition is sharpening, and economic and social pressures weigh heavily on our people.”

“These are not abstract trends; they are lived realities for every Pacific community.”

He emphasises that while the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent provides a vision, it is only through leaders’ decisions that vision can be translated into action.

Watch Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa's address at the PIFLM opening ceremony below.

“The agenda before you spans the full spectrum of your priorities, from security and climate to our future.”

On Thursday, leaders will fly to Munda in the Solomon Islands’ Western Province for the annual leaders' retreat, where officials will be locked out and discussions will focus solely on charting the region’s collective future.